A 64-year-old Connecticut man diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma is blaming his illness on Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products and filed a personal injury lawsuit in the state’s Bridgeport Judicial District Court. The ongoing trial is attracting significant attention and highlighting concerns over previously unknown dangers of talcum powder in popular consumer products.
Mesothelioma Victim Points to Lifelong Talcum Powder Use
According to the original legal filing, mesothelioma victim Evan Plotkin was diagnosed with the rare, asbestos-related disease in 2021 after having used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder products. The claim details the rashes he suffered from as an overweight child and his use of the powder to soothe the discomfort. He also used it as a young athlete. His claim accuses the consumer giant of choosing not to warn consumers about the dangers of talc or to make other decisions that would have prevented Mr. Plotkin’s illness, as well as those of thousands of others who currently have pending claims against the company.
In his opening statement, the mesothelioma victim’s attorney told jurors, “The evidence you’ll hear in this case is that every single time that Johnson & Johnson had an opportunity down the road to do the right thing or the wrong thing, they chose to do the wrong thing.”
Johnson & Johnson Argues that Victim Does Not Have Mesothelioma
In response to the accusation, Johnson & Johnson’s attorneys argue that Mr. Plotkin’s mesothelioma probably arose from a family history of cancer, saying, “Johnson & Johnson, and Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder, had nothing to do with Mr. Plotkin’s cancer and played no role in his disease.” The company is also pointing to the victim’s decision to seek holistic treatment rather than surgery and chemotherapy and his reportedly extended remission to say that the outcome would not have been possible if his disease was caused by exposure to asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson continues to work toward a settlement with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma victims with lawsuits pending against them while simultaneously advancing a bankruptcy plan. Juries around the country have awarded significant damagse awards to plaintiffs filing talcum powder lawsuits.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease after having used talcum powder products, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
